LOUD, PROUD AND LEADING THE WAY: CELEBRATING OUR GAMECHANGERS
Last night was all about celebrating our incredible people, as we turned The Pelligon into a party to remember! We came together to recognise our finalists and winners, with 300 team members flying in from Ireland, France, the Netherlands and across the UK to join the celebrations.
The night kicked off with our CEO, Ronan, sharing reflections on an amazing year – including eight regional parties and over 350 team members recognised along the way. From culinary geniuses to front-of-house stars and kitchen porter legends, we celebrated the very best of the best across twelve categories.
The evening got off to a bang with our first big surprise – our regional chef, Greg Popek, was awarded the prestigious BaxterStorey Award for eleven years of passion, leadership and tireless advocacy. From mentoring young talent and championing our Chef Academy, to supporting causes such as The Burnt Chef Project, and bringing teams together through community projects, Greg has made an incredible impact. He said: “I can’t believe it, I’m ecstatic!”
Chef partner, Thuy Pham had the honour of naming Chris Jarman as Chef of the Year, for his incredible work in inspiring a culture of Obsessed foodies through his visionary and humble leadership, mentoring young chefs and for creating sustainable, innovative food experiences.
Phil Williams took home the Manager of the Year Award, Fiona O’Callaghan bagged Front of House Star of the Year and Mohamed Toure took the trophy for Team France, winning Rising Star. Chef partner, Bettina Campolucci Bordi took to the stage to reveal Janice Edwards as our Gamechanger of the Year, for turning her bold, authentic Caribbean kitchen takeovers into a campus-wide hit that boosts sales, wins awards and brings her talent to big stages.
Cliodhna Keegan was named Support Champion, Skipton Building Society took home Team of the Year, Charlotte Rouse was honoured as Leader of the Year and Marko Peiron was awarded Chef Manager of the Year to a wild applause.
To wrap up the night, Director of Food and Beverage, Greg Bramwell handed Peter Clarke the Kitchen Porter of the Year Award – met with a standing ovation from everyone, following fifteen years of service.
And of course, the celebrations wouldn’t have been complete without an epic menu and the unbeatable energy of R&B pop band, Sol and the Gang. Guests tucked into crispy pig croquettes with cider mayo for starter, followed by fillet of beef.
The party continued with a spritz and dessert bar and just when you thought it was over… in come Crichton’s legendary lollies.
Closing the night, Ronan took to the stage: “The DNA and principles of BaxterStorey have remained the same. From day one, it’s all based around you, the teams, and just having a bit of fun like we are tonight, celebrating the very best of what we are as BaxterStorey. I’m humbled to stand up here and watch the winners come up on stage. It’s amazing to see the support of the teams, the delight of the winners, it’s incredible. Congratulations to you all”.
Congratulations to all our incredible winners who make our business what it is today. You inspire us every single day. Here’s to raising the bar even higher next year as we celebrate a decade of brilliance!
BaxterStorey Award – Greg Popek
Chef of the Year – Chris Jarman
Chef Manager of the Year – Marko Peirone
Front of House Star – Fiona O’Callaghan
Gamechanger Award – Janice Edwards
Kitchen Porter of the Year – Peter Clarke
Leader of the Year – Charlotte Rouse
Manager of the Year – Phil Williams
Rising Star – Mohamed Toure
Support Champion – Cliodhna Keegan
Team of the Year – Skipton Building Society
You can catch the highlights over on our Instagram.